Which 4runner at a budget of $14k???

[Dallas4R]

Hello,
I have always been a Chevy guy and currently have a 1970 Chevelle SS, 2004 Avalanche z66, and my wife drives a 2011 Infiniti G25. I have a baby on the way and 2 dogs and I think a 4runner is an ideal size to have the dogs in cargo area and baby in the back seat. I admire their looks and reliability.

I have 33" tires on My Avalanche and only get about 14mpg average and drive 60 miles per day. I can justify spending about 14,000 on a 4runner (although I would rather spend less) because the gas mileage alone will save me $50 or so per month.

I don't need every luxury option but was considering 4WD for any road trips or the 3 days per year we get snow. It is not a must for me though.


What generation and options do you recommend for someone in my situation? Also should I be concerned about buying one with 100k miles if it seems well maintained?

I was thinking early 4th gen SR5 with v6 and a few options?


Thanks!

 

[Splicer]

I live in the Dallas area in July I bought a 2005 Sport with 79,000 on it for $13,500.00 V8, Galactic Grey, 4 wheel drive from the Nissan dealer in Irving.

 

[Dallas4R]

Wow that is a killer deal. I'll keep my eyes peeled for something like that.

I will say I am really attracted to the 3rd gen 4runner aesthetically. I think the proportions are spot on. They have that nice lean simple look. I'm not sure if I would like going from a 300hp truck with Bose stereo, sunroof, to a 3rd gen...

 

[zopperman]

I was thinking early 4th gen SR5 with v6 and a few options?

i believe the 03-04 V6's had the most head gasket issues and then toyota issued the redesigned HG in 05. So i'd say 05+ V6.

Or you can get the v8 and be happy

 

[Dallas4R]

That's good info! Thanks. How pricey is timing belt maintenance on the v8? I'm not used to having a timing belt to deal with.

 

[zopperman]

That's good info! Thanks. How pricey is timing belt maintenance on the v8? I'm not used to having a timing belt to deal with.

can be anywehere from as low as 600 to as high as 1000+, every 90k. I haven't done mine yet at 110. I've toyed with the idea of DIYing as thanks to [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] , we have an awesome write up, but more likely I'll have a shop do it. I got quotes of 800 pretty consistently. It's really the only drawback of the v8.

 

[nevada]

Wow that is a killer deal. I'll keep my eyes peeled for something like that.

I will say I am really attracted to the 3rd gen 4runner aesthetically. I think the proportions are spot on. They have that nice lean simple look. I'm not sure if I would like going from a 300hp truck with Bose stereo, sunroof, to a 3rd gen...

then avoid the 4th gen v6 aswell...

i believe the 03-04 V6's had the most head gasket issues and then toyota issued the redesigned HG in 05. So i'd say 05+ V6.

Or you can get the v8 and be happy

this.

 

[Dallas4R]

Thanks for all of the great feedback. I really need to drive both generations so I get a better feel for them. It sounds like they are both very reliable when maintained. I also know that my truck is 5500lbs and the 4runner probably performs similarly due to reduced weight.

Any thoughts on 2wd vs 4wd for daily driver in warm climate? I won't due a ton of off roading but will I have buyers remorse if I only get a 2wd ? It's nice knowing a truck is capable so I leaning 4wd.

 

[nevada]

oh yeh, a 100k on a toyota is nothing.
dont let that keep you from buying one.

 

[BucknutBob]

Personally, with a $14k budget, I'd buy an older one in good shape for about $4-5k, and then make myself deliriously happy shopping for some serious mods! But then, that's me--I wouldn't know what to do with a fairly new vehicle (LOL).